Femina has been capturing the essence of the Indian woman for 58 years now, and has evolved with her over the years bringing the world to her doorstep. And now, here's your chance to get the dope on everything--from celebrities and fashion, beauty and wellness, to lifestyle and relationships--delivered directly to your inbox. Plus expert tips, polls, contests and other interactive articles and a whole lot more!

Ways to affair-proof your marriage

Infidelity statistics published in the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy in 2016, reveal that 41 percent of married couples admit to infidelity, either physical or emotional at some point in the relationship and 57 percent men admit to cheating in any relationship they have had. Whether we like it or not, engaging in extra-marital affairs gives a high like no other--they are exciting and a huge ego boost. The picture, however, is far from rosy for the partner left behind in the relationship. But experts suggest that a few cautious steps could save you from heading towards Splitsvilla. Let’s take a look at them.

Accept the existence of infidelityMany times, when things look good, we think of infidelity as a possibility only in other’s relationships. Being aware that such a situation can occur any time will help you identify the signs better.

Define cheatingSpeak to your partner about what’s not acceptable outside the confines of your relationship. Set some mutually-agreed upon limits.

Keep porn out of the bedroomPornography raises expectations to an unrealistic level. You don’t need that.

Be a good listenerDo talk about what’s bugging you, but be a patient listener when he shares his problems. Make eye contact, show you are genuinely interested.

Don’t confide in someone you are attracted toThis is the recipe for disaster. While discussing problems with friends is okay, confiding in someone you are physically drawn to would lead to an emotional affair.

Let him pursue his hobbiesHeard of what space can do to a relationship? Let him do things alone if he wants to. He will feel content and will not look for excitement elsewhere.

Find time for sexSex promotes a feeling of closeness and bonding. Ensure the sex is emotionally fulfilling too. Be open to experimenting and making things exciting for him.

Spend time with happy couplesIt could your parents or his. Research suggests that couple who are close to happy couples stand lesser chance of splitting up.

Let exes remain in the pastIt’s quite tempting to reconnect with an old flame on social media but do keep in mind that’s too slippery a slope. Your feelings don’t take time in changing from “we are friends” to “I feel the old connection again”.